Project

In August 2017, monsoon rains caused intense flooding in over a third of Bangladesh. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief reported that the floods were the worst in the last four decades. The overflowing of the Brahmaputra-Jamuna river affected more than eight million people in 32 districts in the north, north-east and central parts of the country. Because we were already working in affected areas in Khansama upazila in Dinajpur district, we were well positioned to assist with the crisis.

Project Goal:To provide supportto flood-affected families especially mothers, children and young people who cannot afford nutrition or school materials

Sector Focus:Environment and Climate Changes– Response to Disaster

Status:Completed

Duration:August-September 2017

Donor:ProjectBangladesh USA, donorfrom Dhaka and from our own funds

Number of beneficiaries:2,510

Working area:Khansama(in Dinajpur district)

Considering the sufferings of women and children Nice Foundation proposed to Project Bangladesh USA for relief/rehabilitation support whom were responded with a local donor in Bangladesh.

Need Assessment

After completion of formalities with Upazila administration and Project Bangladesh, USA we have developed a survey format for assessing the current needs of the targeted flood victims. We have surveyed 2659 VGD families to identify the actual current needs for lactating, pregnant mother and children who studied in class two to eight. The survey has conducted by going house to house so that the duplication can be avoided or can see the actual scenario of the flood victims. A total of 137 lactating and pregnant women, 365 children studied in class two to five and 3 talent poor girls who got chance to get admission in Dhaka University were selected for support which was validated by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khansama.

Nutrition: Almost all 2659 VGD families affected by flood require some form of nutritional assistance. Due to the contamination of water sources - especially tube wells, which are the main source of safe water in affected areas - the affected population is using alternative and unsafe water sources, which lead to water-borne diseases and nutritional deficiency. Approximate 1344 Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW), under 5 children and adolescent girls need Nutrition Cluster assistance. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) is difficult as mothers cannot feed complementary food due to the lack of food and cooking facilities. Children are not

getting adequate breast-milk as mothers need to procure food. A total of 2 million People need Nutrition assistance but we targeted only for 137 VGD families against our resources.

Education: The Govt report says a total of 3 million people need Education Cluster assistance. At least 4,000 primary and high schools, colleges and madrasas in northern and northeastern district of the country are affected by floods and require immediate repairing interventions.

More than 1,000 educational institutions have been closed either due to flooding or because they are being used as emergency shelters for displaced people. More than 2,000 schools are not functioning due to heavy rain and flash floods. The Government has suspended the Bachelor Degree examination and is planning to reschedule primary school level examinations. There are concerns for protection related issues, including school drop-outs and an increase in child labour and marriage. A 3 million students in need of Education support but we have targeted only for 365 VGD families' children against our resources.

As we have limited resource we have planned to support on the following items in 2 unions out of 6 which are severely affected by

the flood that has best addressed the nutrition and education for the children. Our target beneficiaries affected 502 in 2 unions of Khansama Upazila under Dinajpur district.

Procurement:

Nice Foundation has formed a gender based 3 members procurement committee who has surveyed the market and has procured the relief materials following organizational procurement policies

In Khansama Upazila 3 talent poor girls have got chance to be admitted in Dhaka University whom have no ability to afford University admission and other traveling costs. UNO, Khansama identified them and requested Nice Foundation to provide cash grants. Accordingly Nice Foundation requested UNO to open bank Account by each name who instructed Manager Sonali Bank and the students opened their Bank Account. Nice Foundation Handed

over the cash 5,000 each such 15000 BDT; for 3 poor girls. Out of three 2 girls are from minority Hindu community.